Willie Black enters Nominet advisory board election

Surprise decision by ex-chairman

It seems that UK registry Nominet really can't do without its ex-chairman Willie Black.

We revealed at the end of January that the company had failed to find a replacement for Black, despite him announcing his intention to retire in September and officially leaving on 8 December.

The chairman role has still to be filled but it seems that both Black and Nominet have struck on a solution - take him back in a non-paying role. Mr Black has put his name forward for the Public Advisory Board elections, starting this week and ending on 12 April.

There are eight contenders for the three places this time, up from six last time and seven the time before that. Among them are current PAB members Clive Feather, Sebastien Lahtinen and Hazel Pegg. Also standing is ex-PAB member Ben Laurie who lost out this time last year.

And then two new faces - Jason Johns of The Positive Internet Company and Simon Pearce of Xperience Web. And, of course, Dr Willie Black.

According to the statements put out by all candidates, Dr Black was asked back by Nominet staff unable to deal with his loss: "Having announced my intention to leave Nominet, several members expressed regret that my skills, knowledge and experience would be lost. They have asked me to consider standing for the PAB and I now offer myself for election."

Dr Black confirmed to us that it had been Nominet members urging him to stand that had swayed his mind. "It's only a day every couple of months," he told us, "and I think I can really help." He ruled out re-applying for his old chairman job though.

Well you can hardly question whether Dr Black is suited to the job, is his expertise exactly what the company needs or does Nominet need fresh blood? "If the members don't want me, I've got plenty of other things to do," Black assured us.

And it will be Nominet members that get to decide. Voting papers were sent out at the beginning of the week, the poll will close on 12 April, and the results will be announced on Wednesday 20 April.

Whatever information you want to make your decision should be available here. ®